Melissa Leonard
Fiduciary, advice-only planning that helps young professionals and families live intentionally and enjoy experiences now, not only in retirement.
Cairn Financial Planning · Seattle, Washington
Melissa Leonard is a fee-only financial advisor at Cairn Financial Planning in Seattle, Washington, who holds the CFP credential. Melissa charges a subscription, a one-time planning fee and hourly fees (one-time plans from $4,200) and focuses on tax planning, retirement planning and estate & legacy planning.
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Specialties
Who they serve
- Early-career professionals
- High earners
About
Melissa Leonard has worked with individuals and families from all walks of life since 2012. At Cairn Financial Planning, her focus is helping young professionals and families become more intentional with money so they can live the life they want. A cairn in nature reassures travelers they are on the right path, and Melissa aims to offer clients that same guidance and direction.
Cairn FP is a fiduciary, advice-only practice with no asset management, built to educate clients and give them the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions. Melissa encourages clients to put experiences ahead of things and to rethink the idea of working nine to five until 65. She believes some things should not wait until retirement, which is part of why she moved from Seattle to Bologna, Italy, in 2024 with her husband and dog.
Facts
| Firm | Cairn Financial Planning |
|---|---|
| Based in | Seattle, Washington |
| Fee model | Subscription · One-time planning fee · Hourly |
| Fees (firm's website) | One-time plans from $4,200 |
| Fees (Advice-Only Network profile) | Subscription from $2,500 a year · One-time plans from $2,500 · $250 an hour |
| Works virtually | Yes |
| Accepting new clients | Yes |
| Credentials | CFP |
| SEC registration | Investment adviser representative in TX, WA · CRD 6107919 |
| Firm size | 1 employee |
| Disclosures | None reported |
| Website | cairnfinancialplanning.com |
| Profile |
How Melissa's firm compares
- Ongoing planning starts at $2,500 a year, below the Washington median of $4,500 for fee-only firms that publish prices.
- A one-time plan starts at $4,200, above the Washington median of $3,000 for fee-only firms that publish prices.
- The hourly rate is $250, below the Washington median of $300 for fee-only firms that publish prices.
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Questions about Melissa
Is Melissa Leonard a fee-only financial advisor?
Yes. Melissa Leonard is listed in the XY Planning Network directory (XYPN members are fee-only) and the Advice-Only Network (advice-only practices, no product sales). SEC records as of October 27, 2026 show no broker registration and no commission compensation reported by Melissa's firm.
How does Melissa charge for financial advice?
Melissa charges a subscription, a one-time planning fee and hourly fees.
How much does Melissa charge?
According to Cairn Financial Planning's website, checked October 28, 2026: one-time plans from $4,200.
Does Melissa work with clients virtually?
Yes. Melissa's Advice-Only Network profile says they meet with clients virtually.
Where is Melissa Leonard based?
Melissa Leonard is based in Seattle, Washington.
What does Melissa specialize in?
Melissa's specialties include tax planning, retirement planning, estate & legacy planning and small business owners. Melissa works with early-career professionals and high earners.
What credentials does Melissa Leonard hold?
Melissa Leonard holds the CFP credential.
Is Melissa Leonard registered with the SEC?
Yes. Melissa Leonard is registered as an investment adviser representative in TX and WA (CRD 6107919), per SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure data as of October 27, 2026.
How do I contact Melissa Leonard?
Through Melissa's website, cairnfinancialplanning.com.
What these terms mean: fee-only · fiduciary · CFP · CRD number · all terms
Where this information comes from
- XY Planning Network directory listing : XYPN members are fee-only
- Advice-Only Network listing : advice-only practices, no product sales
- Cairn Financial Planning website : specialties, clients served, and fees, checked October 28, 2026
- SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure : registration, exams, and the firm's Form ADV, data as of October 27, 2026
- Directory listing last checked April 21, 2026.
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